Cancer Council NSW has launched a new series of podcasts.
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Called The Thing About Advanced Cancer the series will focus on the challenges that surround a diagnosis of advanced cancer, and won't shy away from the hard questions.
Hosted by cancer survivor and broadcaster Julie McCrossin the episodes will feature interviews with both cancer experts and people with a lived experience of advanced cancer, and explore the practical as well as the existential issues people may face.
Cancer Council community program coordinator Sally Lewis was proud to announce this new way of supporting people of the Southern Highlands.
"It can be hard for local residents with advanced cancer and their families to find trustworthy information that is also easy to understand," Mrs Lewis said.
"The first podcast of its kind in Australia, The Thing About Advanced Cancer, explores key issues surrounding an advanced cancer diagnosis, including what advanced cancer means, the latest treatment options, living well with advanced cancer, managing symptoms such as pain and breathlessness, and the rewards and challenges of caring for someone with advanced cancer.
"The series aims to tackle some of the less-talked-about issues and provide practical, evidence-based information in an informal way, to help people understand and cope with their situation.
"We know locals affected by cancer really value information, but their need for information is not always met as well as they would like."
John O'Neill was diagnosed with advanced brain cancer in May 2018 and had trouble finding information that openly addressed the existential crisis he faced.
"Searching for information in the wake of an advanced cancer diagnosis is a daunting task at the best of times," Mr O'Neill said.
"The facts and figures are out there, but hardly anything discusses the more personal and social issues that linger around the disease.
"Things like 'how do I continue to find hope and purpose in my life' and 'how do I cope with the uncertainty' don't really get talked about much, and while it's impossible to give a definitive answer to these challenging life questions, this podcast series looks them in the eye and equips patients and carers alike with a platform to have informed and productive conversations with loved ones about advanced cancer and - for some people - end of life."
Ms McCrossin brings her own experience as a survivor of cancer in her tonsils, tongue and throat to the role as host.
"Recent advances in cancer treatments, particularly the introduction of immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs, mean that a growing number of people are living for a long time with advanced cancer," Ms McCrossin said.
"Obviously this is a wonderful thing but living with advanced cancer is not without its challenges, and knowing what to expect can help people cope with some of the issues they may face.
"Coming from a radio background I know the power of the spoken word and the podcast is a perfect vehicle for this kind of information. This format overcomes many common barriers to information often experienced by patients and their carers. Cancer-related fatigue, brain fog and just feeling unwell can make reading books or online information more difficult, but listening to a podcast takes very little effort and can be done at a time and place that suits the listener."
Visit www.cancer.org.au for more information.
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